Removing SCBA/Changing bottles when training for RIT situations

Recently our department did some RIT training and during the training, one of the scenarios was to have the RIT team members remove their scba bottles in order to access a tube or tunnel, pushing the scba pack ahead of themselves, and once through put it back on. Also we were instructed to change out the scba bottles of the RIT team if they were low on air.
I had a few concerns with doing that because of the problems that could arise. I don't think that a firefighter should ever remove their scba in a structure fire or RIT situation. In all of the training videos I have watched I have never seen a firefighter or RIT team member remove their scba or change out a bottle during these types of situations. My question is, do all departments train their firefighters to remove their scba or change out the bottle while insde a structure? Would a firefighter actually do that in a live structure fire? Seeking knowledge.

We teach our members to remove the pack in order to squeeze through tight spots, but not to change a bottle while interior. I'm not really sure of a practical use of changing out the bottle. Where would the new bottle come from and what air would they use to breathe while changing it out? I suspect the answer is another firefighter would bring it to them and buddy breathes while changing out the bottle, a kind of RIT for the RIT. If that is the case, just have the person bringing the bottle continue the operation and have the team low on air exit and replace the bottle.

We do teach buddy breathing and using a RIT pack to assist a downed firefighter, but not change out the bottle.

As far as removing the pack, again, we do teach that, more as a self rescue technique than a RIT technique. Part or our drill requires the firefighter to negotiate a small opening. Only very skinny firefighters can get through without removing the pack. we require them to keep positive control of the pack and check the other side of the operning before sending the pack through.

We also teach the removal of the SCBA in order to fit through tight/confined spaces ... hell, I learned this 20 years ago as part of my Firefighter I class. Granted, there's always been discussion about pushing the pack ahead of you or pulling it behind you, but that's for another thread.

I have to agree that swapping out the cylinder in the IDLH is pretty unorthodox, however.

We teach firefighters to move remove their SCBA in tight areas to move ahead or back.

The swapping out of SCBA bottles for RIT came about before buddy breathing systems were required. It is still a good technique to learn because not every fire department has new SCBA. The idea behind it was if you had a trapped firefighter that was low on air either because he/she had been inside too long or they have been trapped that long because it is taking the RIT crew a long time to get them untrapped. It is practiced enough the firefighter is only off air for a few seconds. And if successful they should have another 30 minutes of air to use.

That's why RIT packs have a new mask attached to the regulator. IMHO, as much of a pain in the arse as it can be, changing masks will be a lot easier than changing bottles. I would also argue that switching masks and getting the FF back on air will be faster than changing out the bottle too.

All the information is greatly appreciated but I will try to clarify about changing out the bottles. We are teaching changing out the bottles of the RIT team with a secondary RIT team, and not the downed firefighters. My concerns to my captains were, there are few problems that could arise, like being unable to get the new bottle back in place in a timely fashion or dropping the botttle and it rolls away. I suggested that the RIT pack be used to refill the RIT teams bottles and if thats not possible the RIT team that is low on air should exit and let the secondary RIT team attend to the downed firefighter. I was trying to see what other departments are teaching and to see if our department is going about it differently then everyone else.

The RIT packs I've seen only self equalize once connected. How many "RIT team" bottles do you think you will refill with one?? Your captains are teaching you air management. And the first rule of air management is.... more is better.

...We are teaching changing out the bottles of the RIT team with a secondary RIT team, and not the downed firefighters...

As you yourself state...if the RIT team is low on air, why is that team not being changed out instead of just their bottles? Are they super human and never get tired themselves?

Other question. If your RIT team is going to work, do you call (or have) another RIT team on the ready just in case the first team gets in trouble? If so, when the first team runs low on air, the second should take over.

Bones42 - when training, we train with 2 teams for RIT which consist of 2 personell each. I think we would both agree that is still not enough personell to facilitate a proper rescue, but we work with what we have. I agree with you, the first team should remove themselves for the situation and let the second team take over. Just trying to see how other departments are training in regards to this type of situation. Thanks for you knowledge and advice. It is greatly appreciated.

For the tunnel drill, are you removing the cylinder from the harness or taking off the harness while leaving facepiece on. Seems like removing cylinder from harness would be more difficult. We undo straps, remove harness and push SCBA through ahead of us on floor, while facepiece remains on.
Generally speaking. I think the members low on air should be relieved by the members bringing in the new cylinders.

At smoke divers they taught us to remove the bottle from the harness and breath by turning the valve on and off- as an absolute last resort of course.....But I have never heard of purposely changing a bottle in an IDLH environment.

The "R" in RIT is supposed to be Rapid. All of this bottle changing is anything but rapid. When the RIT's air gets low start the second team in, and get the first team out. The first team can direct the second team to the area they left, then change bottles once out side. The member in trouble will be much more impressed with being quickly rescued than they will the skill with which the RIT wasted time changing their bottles.

Also, realize that once a RIT/MayDay is activated, everyone on the fire ground is potentially RIT, whether assigned initially or not. The IC, and/or RIT chief makes that decision.

We train removing the pack if the spot is too tight ( not removing the cylinder from the pack) in the event you get to the end of the pipe it drops off into space you don't lose your SCBA. We also train air management ( our packs are MSA MMRII with HUD's) if your bell is ringing you've been in too long and chances are we're sending someone in to get you.As far as changing out a cylinder inside does'nt happen all packs no matter what the manufacturer are equipped with an URC ( Universl Rit Connection)and as the the name indicates they are universal and are compatable with Scott, Drager etc.

Originally Posted by AFD Firefighter

Recently our department did some RIT training and during the training, one of the scenarios was to have the RIT team members remove their scba bottles in order to access a tube or tunnel, pushing the scba pack ahead of themselves, and once through put it back on. Also we were instructed to change out the scba bottles of the RIT team if they were low on air.
I had a few concerns with doing that because of the problems that could arise. I don't think that a firefighter should ever remove their scba in a structure fire or RIT situation. In all of the training videos I have watched I have never seen a firefighter or RIT team member remove their scba or change out a bottle during these types of situations. My question is, do all departments train their firefighters to remove their scba or change out the bottle while insde a structure? Would a firefighter actually do that in a live structure fire? Seeking knowledge.

1. As far as removing an airpack to reduce your profile in order to squeeze into something - was it taught - yes. Would I ever do it - probably not. It's great in training as an SCBA confidence booster, but if I can't walk or crawl into something, I am not gonna go that way.

2. As far as RIT packs and whether to change the bottle or the mask - In most situations where firefighters get into trouble, they become disoriented, lost, and run out of air - they are not seriously injured. Having said that, if you are deployed and you find a lost firefighter low or out of air he will most likely either be conscious and breathing or unconscious and not breathing. If he is conscious, he can replace his own mask. If he isn't, remove them from the structure and then work whatever you have outside and don't worry about taking the time to change anything.

1. As far as removing an airpack to reduce your profile in order to squeeze into something - was it taught - yes. Would I ever do it - probably not. It's great in training as an SCBA confidence booster, but if I can't walk or crawl into something, I am not gonna go that way.

2. As far as RIT packs and whether to change the bottle or the mask - In most situations where firefighters get into trouble, they become disoriented, lost, and run out of air - they are not seriously injured. Having said that, if you are deployed and you find a lost firefighter low or out of air he will most likely either be conscious and breathing or unconscious and not breathing. If he is conscious, he can replace his own mask. If he isn't, remove them from the structure and then work whatever you have outside and don't worry about taking the time to change anything.

3. 2 in/2 out is a f'ing joke that needs to be repealed.

Disagree about the reduced profile being little more than a confidence builder. It should be taught and practiced. You have a point about not going certain places, But sometimes you really need to go there. Or you really need to get out of somewhere. I've seen engine companies do it just to get to fire area due to collyer's mansion condition (hoarding).

IMO, 2 in/2 out severely limits the capabilities of the initial arriving companies and is not practical in it's design and application. In addition, I think it would be better to utilize as much manpower as you have available as early into the incident as possible.

I think 2 in / 2 out was jumped on by the IAFF and IAFC because they believed it would mandate cities to staff fire apparatus with at least 4 people - it didn't and is now more of a hinderance than a benefit.

Having said that, RIT is a good thing - if kept simple. A dedicated & staged company with tools, equipment, and nuts necessary to deploy to firefighter maydays.

Or you really need to get out of somewhere. I've seen engine companies do it just to get to fire area due to collyer's mansion condition (hoarding).

I do agree with this. There is the potential for something to collapse behind making your retreat more difficult. I am not saying that it should not be taught or learned. I am saying in practical applications, I would rather learn techniques for escape that do not require removing your SCBA - like breaching a wall and going through bottle first between the studs, or finding an alternate route to exit.

If and when it is time to go, you don't have to go all the way back to the entrance you used to come in.

As far as going in - if I have to take my bottle off to get there, I am saying you would be better off either finding another way or not going - outside of firefighter rescue. It just seems as if there would be too many limitations preventing your escape if you have to strip down just to get in - keep in mind, I am speaking of significant, hostile fire conditions - not confined space or the like.